Fading Lines | (Line Series, Book 1) ✔️

chapter eighteen: birds of a feather

—Birds of a Feather

➳ Brooklyn Brody

     I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the soft fabric of my red long-sleeved top. It wasn't anything fancy, just simple and warm. I paired it with black pants and boots that had a slight heel, enough to give me a little boost without overdoing it. A few gold pieces of jewelry glimmered against my skin, catching the light. My hair hung in soft waves around my shoulders, and as I picked up the red bag to match the top, I took a deep breath.

Christmas dinner with Dylan's family. No pressure.

On the bed, I had a small bundle of gifts wrapped in simple brown paper tied with twine and a bouquet of winter flowers. Just a small gesture to bring to the Hall family, not knowing what to expect but wanting to show up with something. I glanced at the clock, my stomach doing a small flip. He'd be here any minute.

A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I grabbed my coat and bag, opened the door, and there he was—Dylan, standing with a small smile tugging at his lips. He was wearing a sharp, dark coat over his suit, his hair neatly styled, but there was something softer in his eyes tonight. He leaned in and kissed me gently, a warm brush of his lips against mine that sent my heart racing.

"You look so adorable," he murmured, his voice soft and teasing.

I rolled my eyes, but a smile broke through despite my nerves. "Adorable? Really?"

"Very." He stepped inside, already taking the presents and flowers from my hands before I could protest. "Let me help with these."

I watched as he carried them out, placing everything neatly in the car while I slipped my coat on. As he came back to open the passenger door for me, I gave him a grateful look. He was trying to ease my nerves—I could feel it in the way he was being extra attentive tonight.

Once we were both settled inside the car, and he started driving, the tension that had been building in my chest started creeping back in. I was going to meet his family. His family. The ones I'd heard so much about but had never actually seen up close.

"Are you nervous?" His voice cut through my thoughts.

I glanced at him, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'd be crazy if I wasn't."

Dylan chuckled, reaching over to take my hand briefly before putting it back on the wheel. "You'll be fine. I'm with you, and there will be a lot of people. The attention won't all be on you."

"Your parents," I said, feeling the weight of the question. "They know about me?"

"Yes."

I hesitated before asking the next part, unsure if I was really ready to hear the answer. "What have you told them... about me?"

Dylan's grip on the steering wheel relaxed slightly as he turned his gaze toward me. "That you're brilliant, amazing, and that you understand me. You see me for me, and you accept me the way I am."

I blinked, a little caught off guard by how effortlessly those words left his mouth. I wasn't expecting him to be so open about it, especially with his family. "Okay, that's... nice. Right?"

He gave me a sidelong glance, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Yes, don't worry." His hand found mine again, and this time he kissed the back of it. "I actually can't wait to spend more time with you."

I felt the warmth of his lips linger on my skin and it brought a soft smile to my face. "You're in a festive mood tonight."

"I never have been before," he admitted, his voice light but sincere. "But now I am. I think you're bringing the fun side of me out."